‘Umembeso, sometimes called Izbizo’, is a gift-giving ceremony, and It forms part of the traditional Zulu wedding process. The bride and groom should remember to dress up for their in-laws, be decent and always look good as part of the tradition.
Umembeso happens after the ilobolo or dowry has been paid. The ceremony usually involves the groom and his family bringing gifts to the bride’s family. Most people prefer when the two ceremonies are held on the same day. Therefore, always consider the magnitude of the day’s activities when selecting your umembeso Zulu traditional attire.
Umembeso is a celebratory event that requires a colorful traditional dress. Traditional clothing is a significant aspect of Zulu culture. It is bright and colorful and usually includes stylish beaded work for women and children. The type of clothing worn symbolizes one’s status. This list provides the options to consider if you are looking for stylish Zulu umembeso outfits for couples.
According to Zulu tradition, women and men in different stages of their lives wear different attire. They also wear the clothing depending on the occasion.
This list of umembeso Zulu dresses highlights the different designs you could consider for your big day:
Classy Blue-themed Dress
Zulu traditional attire is known for its distinctive bright color. Blue is one of them, it blends perfectly with the other colors. This classy blue-themed dress will be perfect when paired with beaded accessories. The isicholo, the wide hat, makes the outfit stand out.
Lacy Blue-themed Dress
A lacy gown depicts a class in all manner of ways. However, by adding hints of beadwork, you could turn it into your umembeso attire. Accessorizing it with colorful bangles makes the outfit stand out.
Colorful Patches on a White Dress
Umembeso dresses do not have to be monotonous. You could play around with color and express your creativity. This gorgeous piece is classy, and the colorful patches make this outfit a statement.
White with a Pop of Colors
Zulu traditional attire gives you the liberty to express yourself through color. This classy piece does that and more. The yellow isicholo ties everything together.
Pairing white with the Zulu traditional colors creates a statement piece. It also gives you the liberty to play around with colorful accessories.
Colorful Mermaid Dress
Show up and allow your statement umembeso dresses for makoti do the talking. Accessorizing it does not require much effort since its colors are bright enough.
Pink-themed Dress
Pink never goes wrong, especially if you want to stand out. The beaded accessories make it a gorgeous Zulu traditional wear.
Let the Beads do the Talking
If you love Zulu traditional wear, beads are the way to go. You could also invest in a colorful isicholo. Putting on leather sandals will complement the outfit even more.
Black with a Hint of Animal Print
An animal-print-themed top is a simple but stylish way of rocking your umembeso outfit. This look does not require you to go all out on the accessories. Nonetheless, you will still look stylish.
Stylish White Dress
White is the perfect color to go for if you want a classy touch to your traditional Zulu dress. You could compliment it with beads and accessories.
Bold in Red
How gorgeous is this red gown? The beautiful beaded accessories complement it and give out the element of luxury and comfort.
Lacy White with Hints of Beaded Work
This lacy white gown is a modern and traditional Zulu wedding dress. The beautiful beadwork makes it stand out.
Casual in Black
Umembeso dresses for makoti should be comfortable and decent enough for your in-laws. This piece does that and more. Minimal beadwork makes it beautiful and elegant.
Blue with Pops of Color
If blue is your favorite color, this would be your best umembeso outfit choice. The hints of color make it more playful. Donning a traditional doek makes the outfit look fancy and sleek.
Black blended with Animal Print and Beadwork.
Your umembeso dresses for makoti could be traditional and stylish. The pop of color in your isichiso and colorful beaded accessories could do more to elevate the look.
Brown-themed Dress
You don’t have to go too far; this outfit is the perfect option if you are a brown and neutral-tone lover. The blend of matching beads gives the outfit the details that elevate its look.
Simple but Stylish in Black
If your fashion sense is minimalistic, this simple outfit with a hint of colorful beaded accessories will work best. It is comfortable and gives you the room to experiment with your favorite colors.
Blue Shweshwe Dress
If you are unsure about the best umembeso Zulu traditional, Shweshwe dresses are a perfect option for you. If blue is your favorite color, a blue Shweshwe outfit will do.
Black and white-themed dress
You can never go wrong with black and white. This combo is perfect if you are unsure about embracing color.
Red-themed Shweshwe Dress
Red is one of the bubbly Zulu colors. A traditional ShweShwe-themed outfit would be the perfect umembeso dress paired with a gorgeous isichiso.
White with a Pop of Color
White with hints of the gorgeous traditional Zulu colors has never looked any better. A colorful isichiso elevates the look further.
Casual in White
Your comfort is essential as the umembeso ceremony involves a lot of singing and dancing; therefore, dressing in a comfortable outfit is critical. This casual white set with hints of Zulu colors gives the perfect balance between stylish and comfortable.
Playful Zulu Traditional Attire
You can never be wrong or harmed by being a little playful, especially on your big day. This traditional attire provides comfort and balance.
The Full Traditional Zulu Attire
This traditional set is the way to go if you wish to go all out. It shows your passion and love for your culture.
Stylish, but with Hints of Animal Prints
Through this combination, you could choose to be stylish but grounded in your culture. The accessories compliment your look and bring out its traditional element.